Who to Notify After a Death

After a death, there is often a long list of organisations to contact. Some can be notified together through government schemes; others require individual written notification. This guide gives a general overview of the categories involved and what institutions typically ask for.

For a broader overview of everything after a death, see our guide what to do when someone dies, or use the bereavement checklist to track progress.

Government and official bodies

In England, Wales and Scotland, several government notifications can be grouped together through the Tell Us Once service after registering the death. It is not available in Northern Ireland, Jersey or Guernsey, where you must contact the relevant bodies separately. Tell Us Once can notify:

• HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)
• Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
• Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)
• HM Passport Office
• The local council (for council tax, benefits, and blue badge)
• Veterans UK (if applicable)

Where the service is available, the registrar may complete it with you or give you a reference number to use online or by phone. See our guide on Tell Us Once and how it works.

Other official contacts may include the coroner if the death was sudden, unexplained, or occurred in certain circumstances. The coroner's office will contact you directly in those cases.

Banks and financial institutions

Each bank, building society, credit card provider, or investment account typically requires individual notification. Most will ask for written confirmation along with a certified copy of the death certificate.

The Death Notification Service is a free tool that lets you notify multiple participating banks at once using a single form. Not all banks participate, so you may still need to contact some individually. Check which institutions are currently included on their website.

A bank will usually restrict or freeze a sole account while the estate is administered. Joint accounts commonly continue in the surviving holder's name, but the bank must still be told and its own terms apply. To release estate funds, many banks require a grant of representation, although small-estate procedures and thresholds vary.

If you need guidance on probate, see our guide how to get probate in the UK.

Utilities and subscriptions

Utilities and regular subscriptions need to be either transferred, closed, or updated. Institutions in this category typically include:

• Electricity and gas suppliers
• Broadband and telephone providers
• TV Licence (managed by TV Licensing)
• Council tax (often handled through Tell Us Once, but may require a separate call)
• Streaming and subscription services
• Magazine or club memberships

Most utility providers will ask for the account holder's name, address, account number, and confirmation of the date of death. A death certificate copy is often requested but requirements vary. If the property is being retained by a surviving partner or family member, the account may need to be transferred rather than closed.

Insurance and pensions

Contacting insurance providers and pension administrators is often part of an executor's duties. Common categories include:

• Life insurance — notify the insurer and request a claim form. The insurer will typically require the death certificate and policy documents.
• Pension providers — contact each pension scheme to find out what benefits (if any) are payable to dependants or the estate.
• Car insurance — notify the insurer, especially if a vehicle remains in use by another family member. Cover may need to be transferred or cancelled.
• Home and contents insurance — particularly important if a property is now unoccupied, as many policies have conditions about unoccupied properties.
• Private health or dental insurance — notify to cancel and seek any refund for unused premiums.

The executor is responsible for claiming assets on behalf of the estate. For an overview of executor responsibilities, see our guide executor duties: money, debts and creditors.

Landlord or mortgage lender

If the deceased was renting a property, the landlord or letting agent will need to be notified promptly. The tenancy agreement will determine what steps are needed — for example, whether a joint tenancy continues automatically or whether the tenancy needs to be formally ended.

If the deceased owned a property with a mortgage, the mortgage lender should be notified. The lender will explain their process for the estate, which may include a period of payment grace or specific requirements before the property can be sold or transferred.

Documents institutions typically request

Different institutions have different requirements, but the following are commonly requested across many types of notification:

• Certified copies of the death certificate — institutions typically request certified copies rather than photocopies. Ordering several copies at registration is usually more convenient than requesting them later.
• Account or policy numbers — helpful to locate and verify the account.
• Proof of identity for the executor or administrator — for example, a passport or driving licence.
• Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration — usually required before funds can be released, though some institutions have small estate procedures.
• The will (where relevant) — some institutions will ask to see a copy.

Passage and institution notifications

Passage uses an approval-led model for institution notifications. This means you review and approve each draft notification before anything is sent. Passage does not contact institutions automatically on your behalf.

If you are using Passage, your plan includes a tracker for every institution you have identified. You can add others as you find them, and track the status of each notification — for example, whether it has been sent, acknowledged, or completed.

Start your free plan to build a personalised notification list and track progress.

Common questions